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Hair loss can have several causes. That is why there are different lotions, each with their own working mechanisms and characteristics. There are lotions that focus on hereditary hair loss, but also lotions specifically formulated for female hair loss and hair loss through stress. You apply a lotion in the places where the hair is thinning.

Which shampoo and conditioner fit you best mainly depends on the degree of hair loss and the type of hair you have. All shampoos provide a healthy scalp and thicker, stronger hair. Even if you do not suffer from hair loss, there is a suitable shampoo. For optimal care, a (hair growth stimulating) conditioner can be used after using a shampoo.

Low Level Laser Therapy uses laser light with a wavelength of 650-680nm. This is proven to be very effective for stimulating hair growth. In our range we have included one of the most effective laser products. The Theradome laser helmet has been approved by the American FDA as a medical device to stimulate hair growth.

Our hair growth stimulating supplements offer a complete formulation to stimulate hair growth, reduce hair loss and make the hair grow thicker and healthier. In addition to the important vitamins and minerals, they contain powerful DHT inhibitors and other proven hair growth stimulating ingredients. There are also supplements against gray hair with the enzyme catalase.

Hair fibers camouflage hair loss quickly and in a natural way. The tiny fibers are made of keratin, the same protein as real hair, and attach themselves to your own hair by means of static electricity. Keratin hair fibers are available in 9 colors, in packs of 28 grams and 12 grams. There are also accessories, such as the applicator, for an optimal end result.

A dermaroller is a small device that you roll over the scalp. The roller contains tiny titanium needles that perforate the epidermis. This has a stimulating effect on hair growth. When using a lotion, the dermaroller improves the absorption in the scalp. There are three needle lengths available, for the novice to the advanced user.

For a satisfactory result it is important that you choose products that fit your situation. Here you can read more about the different problems in the area of hair (growth) and which treatments are available. Our product comparisons give you the tools to make a good choice.

All about hair growth
When you experience problems with your hair (growth), this can have various causes. Here you will find background information about hair growth and hair loss. In addition you can read more about the (effect of) products and specific ingredients in hair loss and related hair and scalp problems.

All about Minoxidil

This page contains information about the popular hair growth agent Minoxidil, which is applied to the scalp in the form of a topical lotion.

Origin of Minoxidil

Minoxidil has been around for quite some time. It was developed in the fifties of the last century as an antihypertensive agent in pill form under the brand name Loniten. During the test phase of the product, a striking side effect was discovered: hair growth increased on all limbs and the heads of the test subjects.

Minoxidil as hair growth agent

After discovering the hair growth stimulating effect, Minoxidil has been further developed. This resulted in a minoxidil-containing lotion that was brought to the market in 1988 under the brand names Rogaine (US) and Regaine (outside of US). Rogaine became the first officially registered and proven hair growth agent on the market.

Meanwhile, the patent on Minoxidil has expired, and many (cheaper) generic versions have been brought to the market (Kirkland, Spectral UHP). Minoxidil lotion is not only available as a 5% solution, but a special 2% solution is also available for women, and there are even heavier versions available of up to 15%. Apparently studies have shown that a higher dosage is much more effective: of the 5% version, 45% would be more effective than the 2% version. Yet, people are often recommended to start with a lighter version to see if any side effects occur, such as excessive hair growth or low blood pressure. Minoxidil is now available as an OTC (over the counter) medicine in many countries, requiring no prescription. It is however always advisable to consult your doctor before using higher concentrations of Minoxidil.

How does Minoxidil work?

A lot of research has been done in the past years to explain the effect of hair growth of minoxidil. The effect is not yet completely understood. Originally, it was believed that minoxidil improves the blood circulation of the scalp, but this seems outdated. The most recent theory is that it is because minoxidil belongs to the group of medicines called 'potassium channel openers' (PCOs). It seems that PCOs stimulate hair growth. In any case, the agent has absolutely no effect on the hormone balance, unlike finasteride and dutasteride. Because it is not a hormonal agent but has a general stimulating effect on the hair growth, minoxidil can be used for many forms of hair loss (not only androgenetic).

Expected results of Minoxidil

Minoxidil has many satisfied users, but it is not a panacea. A positive effect is determined in 60 to 80% of its users (stabilization of regrowth), but the result is only "cosmetically satisfactory" for 6 to 30% of its users. People who have been suffering from hair loss for a long time can benefit from it, but completely new hair growth on bald spots is a rare occurrence. The agent works best for men and women who have been suffering from hair loss between 5 to 10 years, particularly on the crown.

There is reason to believe that Minoxidil works as long as it is continuously applied. The recovered hair by Minoxidil will remain "minoxidil dependent". Research has shown that men who had regrowth with both finasteride and Minoxidil, noticed regression after stopping with the use of Minoxidil.

Although Minoxidil stimulates hair growth, it actually does not change anything about the underlying cause of androgenetic hair loss (reduction in hair growth due to affected hair follicles by DHT, dihydrotestosterone). So the agent has no anti-androgenic effect and therefore DHT binding to androgen receptors of the hair follicles is not obstructed. Eventually, the use of Minoxidil alone is not enough for most people to permanently prevent hair loss.

Just like all other hair growth agents, Minoxidil needs to be used continuously in order to maintain any obtained results.

Side effects of Minoxidil

Minoxidil lotion can be regarded as a safe agent. Side effects that are occasionally reported are: dry skin, dizziness and headaches. Additionally, a slight increase in body and facial hair can occur, due to small amounts of Minoxidil entering the bloodstream through the skin. Some doctors believe that Minoxidil can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease. On Internet forums for people with hair problems, side effects such as eye bags caused by fluid retention are sometimes mentioned.

Minoxidil in combination with other products

The combination of Finasteride and Minoxidil is popular among people with androgenetic hair loss. Although studies have shown that the use of Finasteride alone is more effective than using only Minoxidil in the battle against AGA in the long term, it was revealed that the agents work great together, better than just one or the other. The reason for this could be because both the growth is being stimulated and the androgenetic causes are dealt with.

The new generation Minoxidil: Nanoxidil

Nanoxidil is an ingredient which is available in the lotion Spectral DNC-N. Unlike Minoxidil, Nanoxidil is especially developed to stimulate hair growth. For this, it has been studied how the molecule of Minoxidil could be improved to make it more effective and to reduce side effects. From this research, Nanoxidil has been developed. Nanoxidil has a lower molecular weight, improving absorption.

Spectral DNC-N contains various extra ingredients to stimulate the effect of Nanoxidil and to increase the effect on the hair growth. Also, there are far fewer side effects to be expected. For people who experience side effects with Minoxidil, switching to Nanoxidil might be a good alternative.